The Minc Foiling Sensation

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Hello my crafting friends!  It has been a couple of weeks since I last blogged but I have been busy with part-time job interviews and getting my Christmas shopping completed.  I always start early to avoid the rush but it seems I always manage to miss someone or forget some important detail, so I had to spend time going over my shopping list and checking off things.

Additionally, I was able to steal one of my Christmas presents early and I have been playing with this new toy and of course shopping for all the accessories to go with it.  What is this new toy you ask, well Heidi Swapp released her new Minc machine and I am enjoying it!  I've seen the Minc by Anna Griffin on HSN but never thought I would use one but now it appears that every card I make would look better with a little foiling added to it (smiles).  

Now that I have a Minc I decided that I just had to have a laser printer, after all I did want to create my own designs and stuff and I'm sure I'll use it for other things as well in the future.  Anyway let me share with you one of the cards I created with my new machine.

Okay here you go.  The photo isn't the best because foil is very difficult to capture, but trust me it did turn out very nice.

The ornament background is actually a die that was cut and foiled using the Minc.  There are two ways to accomplish this:

1.  You can scan and print the die using a laser printer or scan the die and take the file to your local supply store (OfficeDepot, OfficeMax, Kinkos, Staples) for printing.

Once you get your image printed (it has to be printed using toner because a inkjet will not work) then you can go home and start playing with it by using different color foils to run through the Minc.  

2.  Secondly you can create your own toner paper or purchase printed toner paper and use this printed toner paper to cut out your dies.  If you do this then your dies will be ready to be covered with foil and ran through the Minc.  Both options work great and you don't have to use one color foil on your dies.  

I created the banner by actually cutting the banner and stamping the greeting on it the way I typically do.  Then I placed the cutout die back inside the die and scanned it using my laser printer and printing it out.  Now I had a scanned image made with toner that I could cover with foil and run through my Minc. Once it was covered with foil I simply used the original die to cut it out and of course it was a perfect fit leaving a perfect border of silver and the stamped greeting was foiled as well.

I'm still playing and finding ways to do things and keeping a record of what works best for me and things to avoid when using toner paper.  I've even figured out how to use stencils to get similar results.  The possibilities are amazing!  

This can actually be done with a laminator, but when I tested it I found the Minc reaches a heat level that is higher than my laminator (I think it gets hotter) and the results are just a bit smoother with the Minc but if you don't have a Minc and want to purchase something less expensive then you might want to purchase a laminator from your local office supply store.  I think Scott makes one for around $25.

Okay ladies, make sure you leave a comment and click on my blog candy and add your name if you haven't already.  I have my last set of Spellbinders dies to give away so don't miss out.  Additionally, it is my plan to give away $100 should I reach 1000 followers...do you think that will happen in 2016? We shall see...so tell your friends.

Thanks for stopping by

Hope you'll come again real soon

Sending Hugs From Texas

Lesia

The Frenzy Continues

Yep, I'm back with another imitation of a Mo Manning favorite.  I think I almost captured it completely, but there are still a few subtle differences.  Do you see the difference?...not to easy huh?

Anyway let me start with the original creation by none other than Tracy.  Hello my lovely crafting mentor person....

Tracy's coloring skills never cease to amaze me...just fabulous I tell you.  You can check out the details of her card by clicking here.

While you're there check out her tutorials and other creations.  You will find yourself wanting to try your coloring skills and what I like is her ability to create something lovely with very little.

Not a lot of over-kill and yet a creation that draws attention and shares a message.  Now to move on to my very own creation of which I am simply proud.  Now to share my lift of this delightful card.

My card doesn't appear to be as bright as the original but I am sure I used the same designer paper so perhaps I don't have the best lighting in my craft-room.

Anyway I followed the basic coloring scheme and layout using what I had on hand for the most part.

I managed to get the greeting using my PC and Word, and the buttons came in a pack I had gotten some time ago.  As I said I am getting used to coloring still but my own technique and style is starting to merge although I find it real interesting to see how others color.  

Light to dark or dark to light, or do they lay a base color and then start the shadows.  Everyone does their own thing and for some reason they all turn out pretty darn good.

I continued using the left over paper to finish off the inside allowing a space for a personal message but keeping the color scheme the same inside.

Additionally, I have made it a habit to always create an envelope for every card I make.  This way should I need to give it up, the inside will be complete, my stamp will be on the back, and there will be a endorsed envelope that matches the card making it even more personal and special.

For this card I used "7 Gypsies "Venice" DSP, Mo's Digital Image "Sailor Boys" Distress Inks, Miscellaneous embellishments and the following copic markers:  

Skin E00, E11, E13
Hair E55, E57
Clothing B93, B95, B97, R35, R37, R39
Boat E35, E37, E39, E000, E00, B000, B00
Shading E41, E42, E43, C00, CO, C2

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Sister Act Card - Challenge #74

Craft for the Craic-Challenge#8 "Something With Circles" (9/28)

A Creative Romance - Anything Goes (9/25)

Treasure Time Rubber Stamp - Anything Goes (9/19)

Suzy Bee's Blooming Challenge - Anything Goes (9/18)

Crafting At The Weekend - Anything Goes (9/25)

Lifting Case Frenzy

Hello everyone.  This past week I have been so busy just handling everyday things that I really couldn't get my noggin in the creative groove. Hackers make it really hard to keep trust in others...this week my debit card was compromised so I've had to deal with that mess.  Lucky for me "Bank of America" was on top of things and noticed an inconsistent or unusual spending habit for me and immediately began to decline charges against my debit account.  So we think the crooks got nothing! It had to be someone with a weight problem because the items were all around nutrisystem, treadmill, scales and stuff like that. Glad to know that folks want to be healthy but not at my expense.

So just to keep my faith and not lose sleep I went to visit my friend "Tracy" to check out what she had created that I felt I could case and I found quite a few, although my coloring will never match hers.



First let me share with you the original card that caught my eye and click here to go to Tracy's post where I found it.  You'll have to scroll down to around July 9th to get to it.

Isn't it absolutely adorable? I have several Mo Manning images and if I don't have one but need it, then its off to get it.  You can't go wrong with Mo's images.  They are all so perfect for any occasion and for any age as well.  But moving right along I want to show you my version of this adorable card.

And here is my inspirational version.  I know it is missing in so many ways but that's okay. I did try to follow the color scheme and capture the overall concept of the design.

I enjoyed coloring it and now that I have a complete set of Spectrum Noir, Copics and ProMarkers I feel like the Queen of Markers...I just have to learn how to master each of them.  One day at a time, right?

So what is the verdict? I think it turned out pretty good and my coloring on this one did make me smile for once.



I hope Tracy takes my mimic as a compliment because between her and a few other designers, I think I have grown quite a bit in my coloring, my style and my technique, but when I find it to stressing to sketch out a design its good to know that you can always find inspiration on the internet.

Different styles, techniques and designers.  From Shabby Chic, CAS, Steampunk, Whimsical and even the Gothic and Dark can be found.  I tell you when I stress I surf and it usually helps bring back that smile.  Oh such a delight this crafting is.

The paper used was from My Mind's Eye and I forgot all about writing down the markers.  I did mix both my copics and the Spectrum Noir... and yes they do blend together.  The new brush tip on the Spectrum Noir is a bit different from the Copic but work the same with less pressure.  Give'em a try.

Okay that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs

Lesia

Mema's Challenges Update

Hello Everyone

This is a quick post to let you know that beginning April I will be changing my challenges to post on the first Monday of every month and run until the end of a month with a winner on the 15th and the 30th  of the month (almost every two weeks).

So the earlier you post the more chances you have to win.  A winner will be chosen on the 15th and then again on the 30th of the month.  Hope you will join in the fun and share your talent with us.

Additionally, my challenges will always be "Anything Goes" with an optional twist so if you feel like a twist take the plunge but if you're not up to it then share with us your style...its your choice.   I want my challenges to be a way for you to have fun, win prizes and share your passion for crafting with others that have the same passion.

So look for this change next month, but for now I have a couple of cards to  share with you.

For this card I used Glitz Pretty in Pink paper collection along with the layered sticker that came in the collection.  The flowers and the crystals are Recollection.  I used a piece of ribbon from my stash and a few buttons.  I inked and distressed the edges.

This masculine card was created using  "The Craftsman" a new paper pack from Prima that I just received.  I stamped the sentiment twice and then popped it up using foam dots.  I also added stitching around the outside of the card and cut out a gear from a sheet of the paper.


I think I'll enter this card in:
Penny's Paper Crafting Challenge - Stitching or Faux


Both of these cards were inspired by other designers who are a bit more talented than I am....so big kudos and thanks for keeping me inspired.

Well I hope everyone is having a great weekend and I look forward to seeing your creations.

Take Care Until Next Time

Lesia

First Anniversary Card

Click Here For August Challenge

Don't Forget: Sign In To Be Counted For The Top Follower Prize

Hello all, hope you had a wonderful weekend.  My weekend was uneventful for the most part but there were a few events of interest. It was a 3-day weekend for me so that made my weekend even better (yipee!). I managed to get my hair taken care of, so as not to scare any more little babies at the grocery store and to eliminate all the stares.  Guess I should have kept my wig on...oh well, that wig just got to hot and since it was mine, I didn't think of what would happen if I  politely removed it from my head. Underneath the wig I did have my hair twisted so it wasn't a horrible sight at all, but it scared the dickens out of one little kid which disturbed the mother who stared at me with eyes of ice. I didn't respond to her stare...she looked younger and in better shape so I just prayed that her daughter would quit screaming.  I didn't kill anyone with my wig...I just took it off.

Anyway, I was enjoying the mornings without an alarm and the rush to shower and dress, let the dog out, put the food down and all the rest of a working morning. I didn't miss that routine at all.  Mother Nature cooperated this weekend by cooling the temperature with a few rounds of nice soothing and cooling rain.  Those beautiful drops of water falling from the sky were welcomed and appreciated after suffering the triple digit temperatures for a while now.

Our 100 store outlet mall opened this weekend and it was tax-free weekend as well here in Texas.  But trying to get to that mall was harder than trying to hide an elephant downtown.  Every highway was crowded and God forbid if you had anything going on in your vehicle because there was a policeman at every stop and turn.  Some folks love the thrill of the fight...its an adventure for them.  If my wallet had just a bit more green in it, I would have been out there with the rest of the bargain hunters, all for the deal of a discount.

During this wonderful weekend I had the opportunity to create an Anniversary card for a co-worker.  I tried to add a bit of elegance and flair and then afterward I decided to create a matching envelope.  I'll know tomorrow if she likes it, but I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts.

The CS and double-sided DP is by Anna Griffin.  I found one of her paper packs in my stash and it had the perfect pastel colors that I needed, so whoopee.

The bling and the flower is by recollections. I used a Cheery Lynn die to cut the doily and then inked the edges with tumbled glass distress ink.

In this photo you can see a snippet of the matching envelope I made.  I added a sentiment in the lower left corner of the envelope and on the inside I folded the paper so the coordinating pattern was visible on the opening flap.




The sentiment is computered generated and I picked up some chipboard stickers at Tuesday Morning that had numbers included.

I continued on the inside with the same paper and added a verse for my co-worker, while leaving room for a personal hand-written message.

Well that's my anniversary card and I can't wait to read your comments, so don't forget to give me your thoughts.

Quick Post

Click Here For August Challenge

Don't Forget: Sign In To Be Counted For The Top Follower Prize

NOTE:  Changes were made to this post to protect the innocent and those with vivid imaginations!

Today has been a day of hope and daydreams.  The Power Ball lottery is up to 320 million so talk about daydreams...wooowewewe.  What would I do...well with only one ticket the odds don't look that good but what the heck you can't win if you don't play so I think its okay to pay $2 on a dream.

This post will be shorter than normal because I am rather tired.  After working all day, I had to come home and convince my daughter-in-law to take the braids out of my hair when she left work at 9:00 pm, and that took about an hour.  Then into the shower I went to finish up with some hot water running through my hair, and that killed about 30 minutes.  Now I am sitting here in front of my computer wearing a nightie from the 1930s that has been cut to resemble a shirt (someone got happy with the scissors, so there's not much marterial left in my opinion) with the ugliest birds flying on it....where in the Sam Hill did I get this thing, and the bigger question is why did I keep it.  Who put this thing on me? (God I hope my webcam isn't on).  Did I mention that I am also talking to my BFF (Joyce on the phone) with a towel wrapped around my wet noggin as the water drips down my neck and face and I continue to stare at this screen.

Guess I should go and at least blow dry this mess before I get to tired, after all I am expected to go to work tomorrow.  Wonder what outfit I'm going to wear...I mean it has to match this hairstyle I'm fixin to whip up (surprise surprise).

In between everything that I did today I was still able to pull the winner for my mid-month challenge entry draw, so without holding you guys in suspense any further allow me to send a great big

CONGRATULATIONS TO

LISA S.  FOR HER ENTRY #8

YOU ARE THE WINNER OF A SATURATED CANARY DIGI IMAGE OF YOUR CHOICE

(please contact Mema usingthe "email me button" in the right sidebar or just email Lesia at lesia1707@att.net)

Remember you have until August 18th to claim your prize

Now that we've taken care of announcing our winner, I'd like to remind you that we will have another drawing on August 30th so hang around for a while.  Additionally, we might have a grab bag winner should I get 7 more followers so tell your friends to check out my blog and if they like it then join our team.

I never like to blog without sharing something so I am going to post a few scrapbook pages that I did a few months back.  I hope you enjoy them.

They look like sisters but they are actually cousins.  Go Figure.

This is my one of my girls (grans)

This photo is a glamour shot I had taken to celebrate reaching the big 50. 

My grand-daughter and name sake.  She is very versatile in her extracurricular activities.

Well my lovelies, it is now past 10 pm and that is not a good thing for me.  I should be snoring, slobbering, moaning, groaning or yelling at the dog to scoot over or something.  In other words I should be in the bed and close to meeting Mr. Sandman, so I am going to wish you all a good-night and and best wishes for a better tomorrow where ever you are.

Remember to find beauty in all things and then...take time to create your own.





Just For The Men

Hey Out There!! Can you believe that Father's Day is just around the corner and I hope all your crafters have been working away creating those cards for Dad and friends that are dads. Well I certainly have and I have a couple of cards I created for my boys that I would like to share with you so here goes.

My first card was inspired by the very talented Marianne, a lady that I think is absolutely marvelous in her designs. She challenges me with her work and I love it.  Here is another photo showing where your personal message would go.

I used Kraft paper and inked it up a lot and I mean alot. The patterned paper is from a papaper pack I discovered at Tuesday Morning (who knew, right?). I love how this card turned out.
Card Statistics:
The base is 5x7 and the 1st mat was cut at 4.75 x 6.75. The second mat  was cut at 4.5 x 6.5.  The border measures 4.5 x 2 and the straps measure 2 x .75. The personal message insert measures 4 x 7 and its mat is 6.08 x 3.5.

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:
Tammy's Scrapin' Corner - Father's Day/Male
Try It on Tuesdays: Anything Goes
The Kraft Journal-Cards For Him 
Make It Monday - Always Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes
Cards For Men - Challenge 12 Father's Day

This is the most challenges I have ever entered at one time! Thanks for stopping by.